Organic farming treats plants and animals humanely with respect. Chickens are free range and not kept in cages, and cows are not kept in feedlots. No growth-regulating drugs, steroids, hormones or antibiotics are fed or injected on them either.

Same goes with plants, fruits and vegetables – no harmful chemicals are used to kill pest and weeds, nor anything injected to preserve them for longer than usual.

It also helps reduce pollution brought about by the unnatural pesticides and fertilisers.

Economy

in Australia, organic food is a booming industry currently worth around $200-250 million domestically and $50-80 million in export per year. It is expected to have a 60 per cent growth.

Cost

Unfortunately, organic foods cost more than conventional products. The reason behind is that it is generally more labour intensive plus it does not yield as much as conventionally grown products.

The good news according to Margie Osmond, chief executive of the Australian National Retailers Association, “The more people want organic product, and the more readily available they become that must make ultimately some difference to the price.”

In addition, Australia owns some 12 million hectares – the largest amount of farmland in the world that is certified organic according to the study of the Biological Farmers Association.

But while prices are still higher than the conventional produce, here are some tips on how you can save your money if you decide to go organic.

Consider the distance of the stores from your house – cost of time spent and petrol will add to your expense in the long run.

Ask around about farmer’s market in your area and find out if they are only available on certain days and time.

Look into membership cards and discounts that stores may offer.

Think about buying online and check if you can save more on having your products delivered to you.

Consider your products

Invest on organic meat, milk and cheese. Studies found that “conventional meat and dairy products often contain hormones and show the highest concentration of pesticides.”

Furthermore, “A study in the journal Meat Science compared the nutritional content of organic and non-organic chicken meat. The researchers found that the organic samples contained 28% more omega-3s, essential fatty acids that are linked to reduced rates of heart disease, depression, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, and Alzheimer’s disease. Animals raised organically can’t be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or feed made from animal by-products (which can transmit mad cow disease).”

Buy the highest quality product as much as possible.

Always look for labels. The “organic food” label is different from “Natural” and “chemical free” products.

Remember to look for:

Organic Retailers’ and Growers’ Association of Australia (ORGAA) notice. this should be prominently displayed.

Choose foods with the label ‘certified organic’ from one of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) accredited certifying organisations

Check packaging for the grower’s name and certification number

Consider vegetable sources of protein since organic meat and poultry may be more expensive.

When you are ready and you have found the best place to buy your products, try to buy grains and spices in bulk especially when they are on sale. Do not buy things that quickly rot in bulk unless you are really planning to use them at one.

Buy in season fruits and vegetables as they are cheaper that way.

Consider buying conventional items in the Clean 15 list.

The Clean 15

The Dirty Dozen

Avocado

Apple

Sweet Corn

Peach

Pineapples

Nectarine

Cabbage

Strawberry

Frozen sweet peas

Grapes

Onions

Celery

Asparagus

Spinach

Mango

Sweet bell pepper

Papaya

Cucumber

Kiwi

Cherry tomato

Eggplant

Snap peas (imported)

Grapefruit

Potato

Cauliflower

Cantaloupe

Sweet potato

In the US, The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a the list of foods that are high in residue levels or the “Dirty Dozen” and a list of those with the least amount of pesticide residue or the Clean 15.